Art Update June 2023

Please allow me to introduce Oakley the Woodpecker
Oakley is completed with Coloured pencil on Anthracite (black) Pastelmat paper.
Photo by Gill Merritt – Thank you for the lovely reference photo!

He is the latest addition to my wildlife series, and again my grandad played a part in the inspiration behind this piece. As a young child I spent a lot of time with my grandad and we would quite often go for a walk in the woodland not far from us and he would always make me listen out for the woodpecker, I used to get so excited every time I heard it.

I have also included a little write-up about the spirit of the great spotted woodpecker. It is said that the woodpecker is the harbinger of happiness and good relationships A symbol for helping us to recognise our assets/gifts even when they lie in hidden places. The woodpecker is known for the sound it makes when chiselling away at a tree, this hammering sound corresponds with shamanic drumming – which is a powerful tool for meditation, journaling and speaking with both spirit and the divine. The woodpecker is also a very determined bird – it will not stop until it knows the message has been heard loud and clear, the spirit of the woodpecker knows life is tough and that we are faced with some rather tough challenges in this earthy experience. It wants to show us and remind us of the power of determination and to remember whatever is put on our path never give up on our dreams!

The woodpecker is also part of the American animal zodiac for those of us who are born between the 21st of June – 21st of July (in the Northern Hemisphere) – We walk with the woodpecker! (Me! I do – let me know if the woodpecker is your Animal zodiac too?) They say we are faithful, kind, upbeat, sensitive, good listeners, and totally empathic with a deep understanding. Also, that our family is everything – we can be the heart of the home, devoting our time to the happiness of our tribe, but that can often mean putting ourselves last.